Which of the following statements about CSPs and auxiliary labels is true?

The requirement for compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) to have a visible auxiliary label is crucial for ensuring safe handling and use. Auxiliary labels serve to provide important information regarding storage conditions, administration instructions, or specific warning information related to the preparation. These labels help to communicate vital safety information that is not covered by the primary label, thus minimizing the risk of errors during the dispensing and administration processes.

The presence of a visible auxiliary label is a key component of the overall labeling system for CSPs, as it contributes to the effective identification and management of the product throughout the healthcare system. Such labeling requirements reflect the emphasis placed on patient safety, the need for clear communication among healthcare providers, and the importance of adhering to standards that govern sterile compounding practices.

Although optional labels can provide additional information and labeling can involve pharmacists, they do not replace the necessity for clear, visible auxiliary labels. Thus, conveying critical information through these labels is an essential practice under guidelines like USP 797 to ensure that CSPs are used safely and effectively.